Former jailer sentenced for fondling inmates

Cameron County's former chief jailer has been sentenced to six months in a jail for having sexual contact with female inmates.

Judge Menton Murray denied a request Thursday by former sheriff's Lt. Joel Zamora for probation in the case, saying the crime was "too serious to let go."

Zamora paid $15,000 bond and remains free while the case is on appeal.

A jury in December convicted Zamora of two counts of inappropriate sexual contact with female inmates in 2002.

Zamora was acquitted of charges of having sexual intercourse with the women.

During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors recounted a 1997 incident in which Zamora allegedly tried to extort money from illegal immigrants while working as a Cameron County patrol officer. Zamora was fired.